Reflecting on Obstacles Overcome…On a Milestone Birthday

Well, I just had my 30th birthday yesterday, and I’ve never felt better.

It’s crazy to think that only a few short years ago, I was experiencing one of the most difficult, devastating periods of my life.

Cut to my birthday in October of 2009—I was bed ridden, and in chronic pain. I was suffering from an extreme case of tendonitis that affected both sides of my body, from the palm of my hand, up my arm, to the back of my shoulder. It felt like burning, stinging pain, with spontaneous, uncontrollable muscle spasms. I could hardly lift a glass or open a door for myself, I was so weak and in pain. I was also scared, and I often felt so alone.

I had no idea that I wouldn’t fully recover from this injury for a whopping two years. And yet, in so many ways, that time ended up being a catalyst for the healthy, happy place I am now.

I remember sitting in horrible pain, in my mom’s house, wishing I could feel better, so I could have a greater, positive impact on the world. So I could live my full potential.

I remember thinking, if I could get out of this pain and injury, I would never go back to “day jobs” that I hated, only to live the creative, passionate life I really wanted on the side.

I remember thinking that I was ready for a life partner who I could share my moments with, good and bad, to laugh with, and also to support each other through struggles like this too.

And today, with that trying chapter of my life behind me, I have seen all of these things come to fruition:

I now have a profitable, self-made business that fills my soul every day

I meet and work with incredible people, sharing my deepest gifts, to help them share theirs

And

I am writing this, sitting across the room from the love of my life, my partner of nearly three years, who just celebrated an amazing 30th birthday with me.

As difficult as it was, I am so grateful for the amazing clarity that the years of hardship brought me.

And, if you’re not sure you can turn your current challenges into the life of your dreams, I’m here to say, you can. No matter how hard the struggle, or how intense the doubt (believe me, my doubt was off the charts). You can get through it. You simply have to decide what you want and really mean it.

And who knows, maybe your struggle will be the best thing that’s ever happened to you. I have to admit, it was for me.